2013 NBA Mock Draft: A Sneak Peak at Next Year's Crop

If you aren't satisfied with who your team took in the 2012 NBA draft, there's always next year! Sure, the 2013 draft is just under a full year away from becoming a reality, but it's never to early to take a look at the cream of the crop in next year's class.

Once more, it is most likely going to be dominated by a big freshman from Kentucky with curious hair growth. In fact, the Wildcats appear likely to send four players to the first round for the second year in a row.

A dominant defensive player and a terrific shot-blocker, Nerlens Noel is going to make the Kentucky Wildcats feel as though Anthony Davis never left Lexington.

Now it's just a matter of time before the flat-top becomes as popular as the unibrow.

2. Washington Wizards: James McAdoo, PF, North Carolina

James McAdoo flirted with the idea of turning pro after his freshman season with the Tar Heels, but thought better of it. He shined during the when he was on the court, however brief those moments may have been.

An intelligent basketball player with great footwork and more-than-adequate athleticism, McAdoo is only going to impress as he earns more playing time.

The lefty shooting guard may move up higher than this by the time the 2013 NBA draft rolls around thanks to his versatile scoring skills.

Shabazz Muhammad was one of the most highly-recruited high school players this year and should light it up as a freshman with the UCLA Bruins.

8. Toronto Raptors: Isaiah Austin, C, Baylor

Remember Perry Jones III? Well, Isaiah Austin is a bigger and more motivated version of him.

The incoming Baylor freshman stands 7'0" tall and is still dangerous from the perimeter, even if he is better on defense than offense.

9. Detroit Pistons: Archie Goodwin, SG, Kentucky

Is anybody actually surprised that Kentucky is the first school with two players off the board?

Archie Goodwin needs to spend some time working on his jumper, but he's a terrific ball-handler and tends to play bigger than his 6'5" frame would indicate.

10. Minnesota Timberwolves: C.J. McCollum, PG/SG, Lehigh

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C.J. McCollum averaged over 20 points per game as a junior and then lit up Duke for 30 during March Madness, but he'll be back at Lehigh for his senior year.

Obviously a capable scorer, McCollum can get his points in a variety of ways while lining up at either guard spot in the lineup.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Alex Poythress, PF, Kentucky

Another incoming freshman poised to help the Kentucky Wildcats make a run at back-to-back titles, Alex Poythress is an attacking forward who is at his best when he starts on the perimeter and uses his above-average ball-handling skills.

With him off the board, the UK counter is up to three.

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Le'Bryan Nash, SF/PF, Oklahoma State

Still in possession of the best basketball name in the history of the sport, Le'Bryan Nash is still more of a pure athlete than a sensational basketball player.

He'll wow you with his physical tools, then let you down with his lack of intensity or skill.

13. Phoenix Suns: Tony Mitchell, PF, North Texas

Tony Mitchell had one of the best, most underrated seasons by a freshman in all of college basketball this past season for the North Texas Mean Green.

After averaging 14.7 points, 10.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game with great defense last year, the sky is the limit as a sophomore.

14. Houston Rockets: Patric Young, C, Florida

A physical specimen of a center, Patric Young has an NBA-ready body that scouts are going to be drooling over in the months leading up to the 2013 NBA draft.

He's still working on the whole finesse thing, but he's got the brutish strength part of the game down.

Wayne Blackshear is the rare player who might be too big and strong for his own good right now. Cutting some weight, even if it's muscle mass and not of the flabby variety, would make him an even more explosive wing player than he is now.

Blackshear only played seven minutes per game as a freshman for Louisville, but he's going to make a lot of noise this next season.

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Doug McDermott, SF/PF, Creighton

One of the best scorers in all of college basketball, Doug McDermott is a smart player who can shoot and score from anywhere on the court, even if he does benefit from being a coach's son.

McDermott isn't an elite athlete, but he's too skilled to flop as a prospect.

26. Indiana Pacers: Trey Burke, PG, Michigan

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Trey Burke plays with maturity and poise beyond his years; a useful addition to his ridiculous shooting and penetration abilities.

The 6'1" floor general from Michigan was the leader of his team as a freshman and his court vision will endear him to his teammates once more during the 2012-2013 campaign.

The third North Carolina prospect taken off the board in this initial 2013 mock draft, Reggie Bullock has the potential to move way up in the order if he can add strength and stay motivated throughout his third season at Chapel Hill.

Bullock could be one of college basketball's best scorers if he puts his finishing ability and shooting stroke to good use on a nightly basis.